The NY Terror: Bollywood Speaks out

By Fuad Omar.

Bollywood has always been keen to speak out whenever there is an earthquake, war or some sort of tragedy, because it realises it can influence the public opinion and can bring attention to worthy causes. The New York tragedy is no exception and while the stars all have something to say about what happened, there were those too who were caught in the blast.

Shahrukh Khan was a few blocks away from the World Trade Centre that day and looked out from the 20th floor room in a hotel which was accommodating the King Khan for his transit stay on route to Toronto's Film Festival where he was due to screen Asoka. "It was shocking, like it was in the movies" said Shahrukh still not fully recovered from what he had witnessed. "I went back inside and sat by the window and watched the whole thing for nearly two hours, the police coming, the smoke rising and everything, it was very shocking." Shahrukh Khan and director/cinematographer Santosh Sivan were stationed at Manhattan Tower, a few blocks away from the area and the moment they stepped outside to leave for the film festival, they saw the gigantic structure turned into rubble. "We could see the clouds of dust and smoke that engulfed the sky. It really was like in the movies. The fact that this could happen in real life made the situation so surreal. Ever since the telephone lines opened up, I have been on the phone talking about it to my friends. I felt like one of these anchors on television reporting it as it happens." After returning to Mumbai, Shahrukh took some time out to spend with his family and get over what had happened. The reality also sunk in of the possibility this could affect his film, as years ago bad publicity dogged his company's debut Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, Asoka had been hit too by now coming at a time when the world is preoccupied with the events of September 11th and its aftermath. "I know it sounds selfish," said Shahrukh, "but this thing has hit us." However as things begin to quieten down, Asoka's prospects look better as it comes at a time when people need a hero. Also after being spoon fed by the national press and told what to think about lately, many Asians are returning to cinemas here too looking for escapism from the events going on around them, hoping to find solace in a good Bollywood entertainer. "It was terrible, like re-living my Terrorist movie all over again. It made me think once more about what kind of hatred motivates these people to not only kill innocent people but also themselves. The whole thing was so surreal with glass, paper and dust raining from the sky. I was also worried because I actually do look like a terrorist!" said Santosh Sivan, who also directed 'The Terrorist'. Bollywood's hottest actress Kareena Kapoor was also stranded in New York, along side her Asoka co-star and director. She recalls how the tragedy had not only brought everything to a standstill but also made the city that's known for its people not giving a damn about each other, come together and be united at a difficult time. "People were so scared and pulling strength from inside. It's amazing to see the way America united at this time and how everyone wanted to do something. People were holding candlelit vigils, donating blood and money, the whole tragedy brought the country together." While Kareena made such observations, her sister was frantic as she heard the news. Back in Mumbai, Karisma Kapoor heard the news and froze out of fear something had happened to her sister, who she dotes on. "I kept praying she was nowhere near that site or those planes, the international lines were jammed and I'll never forget those moments up until we got the call from Bebo saying she was fine."

Other stars who have been affected by the chaos are the entire team of Sanjay Gupta's Kaante, including Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Sunil Shetty. Shooting of the film has only just been allowed to resume in Los Angeles at a rate of only five hours a day, and that too has started with a backlash from locals. Sunil Shetty, who plays a bouncer in the movie, was about to give a shot sporting a fake beard which is part of his get up, when some American youths mistook him for an Afghan and began hurling abuse his way. Before the action man could realise what was happening and before things turned violent, the police stepped in and asked him for identification. After a brief investigation and clearing up shooting continued, but with a much fazed Shetty wondering what would have really happened to him if he was just a civilian with a beard in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Salman Khan, known for his distance from the press, was on BBC news 24 being asked about the whole incident, which he condemned and said he was disgusted by the attacks and said he hoped people did not equate the incident to Islam in any way. A sentiment echoed throughout the industry, many were quick to speak out against the attacks and distance them from Islam. "This is so scary, why are people reacting like this? It's crazy" said Aftab Shivdasani after reading some British papers on a plane reporting the backlash, "Just take care buddy." Actress Kajol, who is currently in Mumbai and finishing work on Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham said, "The whole event was disgusting. No one in their right mind will condone this act. But why is everyone quick to blame a community, anyone who has lived with Muslims as their neighbours and has Muslim friends knows they aren't all extremists like this. They are very nice people and you can't brand all of them as fanatics." Leading actress Aishwarya Rai was also stunned by the backlash against Muslims and comments on what she's been reading: "I was shocked with all this anti-Muslim tirade. Everybody is going on about how strict Islam is all of a sudden and how Muslims force their women into burkhas and teach their children jihad in Islamic schools. It's ridiculous, I mean grow up!" A visually disturbed Jackie Shroff, who has had the attacks on his mind since they occurred constantly refers to them and hopes things improve soon. As a father, he wants a better world for his children, and said: "I hope good sense and maturity prevails and for the sake of little children there is peace all over the globe".